European Cruise 2005

Wix and Wrabness Yacht Club

Dove Cottage Oakley Road Wix Nr. Manningtree Essex. CO11 2SE

Tel 01255 870777

Our most ambitious ever!

Amsterdam via Ijmuiden, Scheveningen, Colijnsplaat, Breskens, Oostende and home. 345 miles rounded off by a stonking sail back from Oostende, with Levanter being left over the horizon by the rest, (only to discover there was some surreptitious use of iron topsail in some quarters), and not enough water to get in the marina at the end.

In between, we had everything from force 0 to force 7, flat calms to something more boisterous. Open seas and inland seas, canals and locks, lovely Dutch towns, even lovelier Dutch women, (some of whom seemed determined to ensure the pasty faced English had a good time whether they liked it or not!).

All rounded off by rugby and bacon at breakfast.

A tale of ghost ships and fleeting glimpses, old men on bikes chased through red light districts, long sails and sleepy watchkeepers, strange lights to the north in the night sky, glassy seas and bikini clad dancing girls.

It could have been written by Alistair McClean (instead you have me).

Sixhaven was a squash, Amsterdam was a hoot, Scheveningen was a drag (dog do's and dirty docks), Colijnsplaat was a delight, good food, great hosts, Dutch liqueurs and good company.

Breskens was best forgotten, the place was fine, natives very helpful, (pensioner even got his washing done by one), but some of privateers were less than friendly. Oostende had the Waterhuis and the best chicken in the known universe, as well as free sand blasting.

Useful Links: Royal Yachting Association. The Met Office. Weather Online. UK Hydrographic Office Easy tide.

Deben Entrance. Orford Entrance. www.marinas.com Stour Sailing Club. Windfinder.com